Richard Simmons’ housekeeper strikes brother in bitter estate battle
Richard Simmons’ longtime housekeeper has accused his brother of taking full control of his estate.
September 27, 2024, published at 1:45 PM ET
A bitter battle has broken out recently Richard Simmons“$30 million legacy.
RadarOnline.com Simmons’ old housekeeper can reveal, Theresa Murothe fitness guru’s brother has accused it Leonard – and his wife Cathy – plan to take full control of his estate.
Simmons has passed away 76 years old on July 13.
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Simmons’ live-in housekeeper Theresa Muro found the fitness guru unconscious on the floor of his bedroom on July 13.
On September 24, Muro filed a petition in Los Angeles Superior Court detailing her allegations against Leonard and Cathy.
Muro’s petition stated that she filed the application “to honor the wishes of” the fitness guru, as “she lived with Richard for nearly four decades, cared for him and was his best friend and devoted confidante.”
She continued, “It is not surprising that Richard appointed Teresa as one of his successors his confidencebecause he wanted and expected her to be responsible for managing his trust if he died before her.
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Simmons appointed Muro and his brother Leonard as co-trustees of his estate.
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Her file further detailed how Muro discovered the “van Simmons”.lifeless body on his bedroom floor and was understandably distraught.”
The petition added: “To make matters worse, Teresa then became the unsuspecting victim of a nefarious scheme to wrest control of Richard’s trust.”
Muro claimed that the alleged “evil scheme” was “perpetrated against her by Leonard Simmons, Richard’s brother, and Leonard’s wife Cathy Simmons.”
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Muro claimed that Leonard and his wife launched an “evil plan” just days after his death.
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Simmons’ longtime housekeeper claimed that not only was she the person closest to the beloved fitness personality at the time of his death, but claimed he had not spoken to his brother for six years before his death.
While the petition stated that Simmons wanted Muro and Leonard to become co-trustees of his estate, the next day Muro claimed Simmons’ deathLeonard and his wife traveled to Los Angeles “at which point their plan was set in motion.”
Muro stated that she visited the funeral home on July 18 for an open casket viewing of Simmons’ body. She then claimed that Leonard and Cathy took her to meet with the law firm that drafted the trust.
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Muro claimed she was “coerced and fraudulently induced” to sign the paperwork by Leonard firing her as trustee.
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She accused Leonard of telling her that being co-trustee was a difficult job and that any mistake she made could jeopardize her legacy.
The petition stated, “Teresa was overwhelmed by Richard’s sudden death just a few days earlier, the events of that morning at the funeral home, and Leonard’s unexpected scare tactics. Additionally, English is not Teresa’s first language.”
Muro claimed she was “coerced and fraudulently induced” to sign the paperwork, which removed her as a co-trustee.
Her filing continued: “Richard was buried the next day, July 19, 2024. Within days, Leonard exercised exclusive control over the management of Richard’s assets and made it clear that Teresa would have no role in the decision-making process.”
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Her lawyer added: ‘Just a few days after signing the denial and realizing the consequences of the denial after seeking professional advice, Teresa made repeated requests to act as co-trustee as Richard intended and to to have the refusal considered null and void, revoked or revoked. has been properly withdrawn. Leonard unequivocally denied Teresa’s requests.
“In addition to making demands regarding Richard’s physical assets, Leonard attempted to gain control of Richard’s estate.”
Muro has asked the court to reinstate her status as co-administrator of Simmon’s estate. She further asked the court to prevent Leonard from selling Simmons’ assets, including his 4,119-square-foot home, which is estimated to be worth between $4.9 million and $5.4 million.
